Prior to Procedure

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Your intestines will be cleaned with a special solution.

Your doctor will talk to you about the physical and emotional difficulties that you will face after this surgery.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.

Description of the Procedure

There are different ways this surgery can be done. In one technique, an intestinal sac for collecting fecal waste is created inside of the abdomen. This sac will include a hole called a stoma in the abdominal wall. The stoma allows access to the sac so that it can be emptied through a tube. In another technique, the intestine is directly attached to the abdominal wall so that an external bag can be attached to collect fecal waste.

If the surgery is done to place a feeding tube, an incision will be made in your abdominal wall. The doctor will grasp a section of your small intestine. A small opening will be made. The tube will be placed through this opening and secured in place with sutures. The tube will then be brought through your abdominal wall. It will be secured with sutures.

How Long Will It Take?

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 2-4 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications occur.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You may need antibiotics. You may also need medicine for nausea and pain.

If you had an enterostomy to help fecal matter exit the bowels, you may have a pouch on the outside of your body. Waste material will be collected in it.
You will receive instructions about diet and activity. During the first few days after surgery, you may be restricted from eating.

The staff will monitor your fluid intake and output to help you avoid
dehydration.

You will wear boots or special socks to help prevent blood clots.

You will be asked to walk often after surgery.

You may be asked to use an incentive spirometer, to breathe deeply, and to cough frequently. This will improve lung function.

Your incision will be examined often for signs of infection.

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

You will need to practice good skin care of the area around the stoma. This will help to prevent infection.

You will need to rest for 1-2 months.

You will be taught how to care for the stoma site and change the
ostomy bag
if you have one.

Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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